Anti-govt social media posts to be treated as cyber crime: Bihar police

Offensive social media posts against the government, ministers, MPs, legislators and state officials will now be treated as cyber crime and invite penal action, a circular issued by a top Bihar police offier said, provoking the opposition to accuse Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of acting like Nazi dictator Hitler.

Under the Information Technology Act, cyber crimes are punishable with imprisonment up to seven years and fine or both.

The letter was issued on Thursday by Naiyar Hasnain Khan, the ADG heading the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), which is also the nodal body of the police for cyber crimes.

Addressed to all principal secretaries and secretaries of various departments in the state, the letter has sought intimation of any such activity by individuals or organisations so that the EOW could take action in accordance with law.